Mayank Yadav reflects on injury ordeal
Mayank Yadav, the young Indian fast bowler, has opened up about the physical and mental toll of his injury setbacks following his sensational comeback to the national team. The 22-year-old pacer, who made his Test debut earlier this year, missed nearly 18 months of competitive cricket due to recurring stress fractures in his lower back. Speaking exclusively to the press after his match-winning spell against Australia in the recent series, Yadav stated, "There were days when I doubted if I'd ever bowl at full pace again. But the support from my family, coaches, and physios kept me going."
Details of the injury and recovery
Yadav first suffered a lumbar stress fracture during the 2024 domestic season, which sidelined him for six months. After a brief return, he experienced a relapse in early 2025, requiring a more conservative rehabilitation protocol. He worked closely with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) staff, focusing on biomechanical changes to reduce stress on his spine. Over 14 months, he gradually increased his bowling intensity, from 50% to 100%, under strict supervision. "I had to rebuild my action from scratch," he added. "It was frustrating, but I knew my body needed time."
Impact on his career and mindset
The injuries forced him to miss the 2025 IPL season and a Test tour of England. During his rehabilitation, he relied on mental conditioning sessions and yoga to stay positive. "I learned to be patient and trust the process," he said. Now, after returning with a five-wicket haul in the third Test against Australia, he has clocked speeds consistently over 150 km/h. His comeback has been praised by teammates and veterans alike. "His resilience is incredible," said teammate Jasprit Bumrah. "He's a special talent."
Looking ahead
Yadav is determined to manage his workload better going forward. He plans to skip limited-overs series to prolong his Test career. "I don't want to go through that again," he admitted. "My priority is representing India in whites." With a packed international schedule ahead, the selectors are expected to manage his workload carefully. For now, Yadav is simply grateful to be back doing what he loves.
